Tristar Aircraft Wreck Dive Site in Aqaba

The Lockheed L-1011 TriStar in Aqaba is a massive 50-meter passenger aircraft intentionally sunk on August 26, 2019, to create an artificial reef. Resting on a sandy seabed just off South Beach at a depth of 15 to 28 meters, this largely intact wreck has become one of the most iconic dive sites in the Red Sea.

Accessible via a short boat ride, the airplane’s impressive size allows Open Water and Advanced certified divers to safely swim through the fuselage, explore the cockpit, and observe the main passenger cabins. Today, the wreck is covered in colorful soft corals and serves as a thriving habitat for reef fish, lionfish, and moray eels. Combined with nearby attractions like the Cedar Pride Wreck, it is an essential dive for anyone visiting Jordan.

TriStar-Aircraft-Aqaba-Dive-Site-AAD
Lockheed-L-1011-aqaba-diving-site-tristar-1
Lockheed-L-1011-aqaba-diving-site-tristar-2
Lockheed-L-1011-aqaba-diving-site-tristar-3
Lockheed-L-1011-aqaba-diving-site-tristar-4
Lockheed-L-1011-aqaba-diving-site-tristar-5
Lockheed L-1011 TriStar Wreck
Aqaba Adventure Divers
(755k views) Open Map

TriStar Aircraft Wreck Site Information

Aqaba diving site name

Site Name

Tristar Aircraft Dive Site

Aqaba diving site accessibility

Accessibility

Boat

Aqaba diving site difficulty

Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Aqaba diving site hotspots

Site Hot Spots

Cockpit, Passenger Cabin, Wings, Engines
Aqaba diving site depth range

Depth Range

15–28 meters
Aqaba diving site distance from shore

Distance from Shore

Approximately 280 meters

Aqaba diving snorkeling site

Suitable for Snorkeling

No

Aqaba diving site Natural features - specs

Site Natural Features

Artificial Aircraft Wreck, Sandy Bottom, Coral Growth

Aqaba diving site status

Diving Site Status

Active

BOAT DIVING SITE

Book Your Dive now

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar wreck in Aqaba?

The Lockheed L-1011 TriStar rests at a depth ranging from 15 to 28 meters (50 to 92 feet) on a sandy seabed. The cockpit is the shallowest part of the wreck, facing the beach at around 13 to 15 meters, while the tail sits at the maximum depth of 28 meters.

What certification is required to dive the TriStar wreck?

Divers with a basic Open Water certification can explore the shallower sections of the wreck. However, to safely explore the deeper parts of the plane, including the tail section and the surrounding sea floor, an Advanced Open Water certification is highly recommended.

When was the TriStar airplane sunk in Jordan?

The Jordanian authorities (ASEZA) intentionally sank the decommissioned Lockheed L-1011 commercial airliner on August 26, 2019. It was carefully scuttled after removing all hazardous materials to create a safe artificial reef that fosters marine life and boosts local eco-tourism.

Can divers go inside the TriStar wreck?

Yes, the wreck is mostly intact and offers excellent penetration opportunities. Divers can safely swim through the passenger cabins, explore the cockpit with its remaining navigation instruments, and even see the original seats and carry-on baggage compartments.

What is the water visibility and the best time to dive the site?

Aqaba’s waters offer excellent visibility, typically ranging from 10 to over 20 meters around the wreck. While you can dive this site year-round, the best times to visit are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when water temperatures are most comfortable and marine life is abundant.

Pin It on Pinterest